Expanding Options For New Zealand Beekeepers

The National Beekeepers Association has received a
Sustainable Farming Farm grant from MAF to help Beekeepers
strengthen their businesses in the wake of the varroa bee
mite incursion.

NBA Vice President Lin McKenzie said
treatment for varroa is estimated to cost $40-50 per hive
annually. The goal of this project is the assist beekeepers
to expand their income streams to meet this cost over the
commercially managed beehives in New Zealand

The varroa
bee mite not only threatens the livelihood of beekeepers,
but primary industry sectors dependant on honey-bee
pollination services.

"If we do nothing the NBA estimate
that 30% of beekeepers could be forced to exit the industry.
MAF estimate the flow on effect for farmers and growers
could be up to $900m by 2035."

Expanding Options for New
Zealand Beekeepers will provide leadership for the industry
and focus on identifying new business opportunities. This
will involve financial monitoring and benchmarking services,
and liaison with other agricultural and horticultural
sectors.

The project will be delivered regionally through
NBA branches, so that each region can tailor their resources
to meet the needs of local beekeepers.

"We are delighted
to receive this grant from MAF which will be matched by
industry funding and in kind contributions," Mr McKenzie
said. "Central Government has provided funding to assist
beekeepers with the technical control of the varroa mite.
This sizeable investment will enable Beekeepers to establish
a positive direction for their industry in the face of a
challenging and difficult future ".

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